Novavax green light might help ease fears
VACCINE hesitancy has been an undeniable factor of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide, with some residents across Dubbo and the region showing the same reluctance as those in other parts of the world.
However, the recent announcement that a new vaccine, Novavax (otherwise known as Nuvaxovid), had been approved for use in Australia has given many residents solace about returning to unrestricted life.
The new vaccine, which received Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) approval on January 20, differs from the three vaccines currently in wide use (Astrazeneca, Pfizer and Moderna) as it has been developed more traditionally, as a spike protein-based vaccine.
Delroy Terry White Chemmart pharmacist Sally Sheehan said her Dubbo pharmacy had a number of customers awaiting Novavax.
“An exciting development (in the Covid situation) is with the approval of Novovax as an alternative vaccine,” Ms Sheehan said.
“There’s been a group of people who have been hesitant about the vaccine because of the technology used, whereas the Novovax uses the older, protein-based technology.
“That cohort will now be able to access a vaccine they’ve been waiting for, so there will be another per centage of the population who will have their vaccinations.
“We’ve had quite a few people waiting for Novovax, and so we’re pretty excited that it’s been announced as approved.”
Despite the good news, GPS and pharmacists are still awaiting news on when the vaccine will be made available for them to provide to the public.
“We don’t know quite when it will be available, but to have the TGA approve it is very good news for those people who have been so hesitant about the other vaccines.”
According to the Australian Department of Health, the Federal Government has ordered 51 million doses of Novavax, which will be used as a primary course of vaccination in people aged 18 years and older.
Throughout trials, Novavax demonstrated to be highly effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in adults, based on phase II-III clinical trials involving over 45,000 participants.
Novavax is not currently registered by the TGA for use as a COVID-19 booster vaccine.
The vaccine will be available to be administered from the week of February 21.